M
| Invertebrates visible with the naked eye (includes insects, crustaceans, mollusks, worms, etc.).
| Rooted plants or higher (multicelled) plants that grow in or near water.
| Reservoirs and lakes which contain moderate quantities of nutrients and are moderately productive in terms of aquatic animal and plant life.
| The middle layer in a thermally stratified lake or reservoir. In this layer there is a rapid decrease in temperature with depth. Also called the thermocline.
| Living organisms that can be seen individually only with the aid of a microscope.
| Lakes and reservoirs that are relatively deep, do not freeze over during the winter months and undergo a single stratification and mixing cycle during the year. These lakes and reservoirs usually become destratified during the mixing cycle, usually in the fall of the year.
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N
| A form of nitrogen. An important nutrient that stimulates plant and algal growth.
| The biochemical transformation of ammonium nitrogen to nitrate nitrogen.
| A toxic form of nitrogen formed by the bacterial decomposition of ammonia.
| The biological or chemical process by which elemental nitrogen, from the air, is converted to organic or available nitrogen.
| A term used to describe chemical compounds (usually organic) containing nitrogen in combined forms. Proteins and nitrates are nitrogenous compounds.
| Diffuse, indirect pollution that enters a waterbody via drainage or runoff from agricultural fields or urban areas.
| Any substance that is assimilated (taken in) by organisms and promotes growth. Nitrogen and phosphorous are nutrients that promote the growth of algae. Other essential and trace elements that are also considered nutrients.
| The total measure of nutrient inputs to and outputs from a waterbody.
| Contamination of water resources by excessive inputs of nutrients. In surface waters, excess algal production is a major concern
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